Aizawl: The Governing Body of the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) held a meeting at the Secretariat Conference Hall, MINECO, chaired by Health & Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii, who also serves as Chairman of MSACS. The meeting was attended by Health Secretary H. Lalengmawia, MSACS Project Director Dr. Jane Rinzuali Ralte, and other Governing Body members.
In her address, Minister Lalrinpuii highlighted that Mizoram continues to have the highest HIV prevalence rate in the country, currently at 2.73% of the total population. She stressed the need for stronger efforts and renewed commitment to curb the spread of the virus.
Health Secretary H. Lalengmawia noted that under The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, any form of discrimination against people living with HIV in the workplace is prohibited. He called for fair and inclusive employment practices.
According to Project Director Dr. Jane Rinzuali Ralte, from April 2024 to March 2025, a total of 2,069 new people living with HIV were registered across 14 ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) Centres in Mizoram. Of those on ART, 97.7% have achieved viral suppression, indicating effective treatment. She also reported that new HIV cases have gradually declined over the past five years.
Over the past year, several targeted campaigns were carried out across the state, including HIV testing drives at TBCC, treatment literacy campaigns, district-wide intensive IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) campaigns, and Candle Light Vigils to raise awareness about lives lost to HIV/AIDS.
The Mizoram State Blood Transfusion Council was also recognized with the Excellence in Blood Donation Award 2023–24, marking it as one of the best-performing councils among Northeastern states.
During the meeting, the performance of MSACS contract staff was reviewed, and discussions were held on the selection of new Governing Body members, the Annual Action Plan for 2025–26, and budgetary allocations for HIV-related initiatives under the state plan.
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